When it comes to diamonds, there’s one question we hear all the time: what’s the difference between lab-grown and natural? Both shine, both sparkle, both steal hearts, but they have their own stories. And since we’ve just launched our very first Lab-Grown Diamond collection, we thought it was the perfect time to break it down for you.
First things first: they're both real diamonds
Let’s clear this up straight away. Lab-grown diamonds are not “fake.” They’re chemically, physically, and visually identical to natural diamonds. Same sparkle, same hardness, same forever-lasting beauty. The only real difference is how they’re created.
- Natural diamonds form underground over billions of years, thanks to intense heat and pressure.
- Lab-grown diamonds are created in high-tech labs, where science recreates that same process in a matter of weeks.
So whether it’s born beneath the earth or crafted above it, you’re still getting the real deal.
How to tell them apart
Here’s the fun part: most people can’t. Even jewellers need special equipment to identify whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown. So if you’ve ever wondered if you could see the difference, the answer is no. Both are equally stunning to the naked eye.
Why people choose natural diamonds
Natural diamonds are steeped in tradition. They’ve been around for billions of years and are often seen as the ultimate symbol of romance and rarity. Some people love the idea of wearing something formed by the earth over such a long time. It feels like holding a little piece of history.
Why people love lab-grown diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds bring their own kind of magic.
- Bigger sparkle for your budget – You’ll often get a larger or higher quality stone for the same budget.
- Colourful options – Fancy a pink, blue, or yellow diamond? Lab-grown makes it more accessible.
- Kind to the planet – With less environmental impact than traditional mining, they’re a modern, mindful choice.
- Fresh and exciting – There’s something fun about knowing your diamond was made with cutting-edge science.
Which one should you choose?
It comes down to what matters most to you. If you love tradition and the idea of something formed by nature over time, a natural diamond might be your perfect fit. If you’re drawn to modern luxury, a little extra sparkle for your spend, or colourful options, lab-grown could be the one.
Either way, you’re choosing a diamond that’s strong, timeless, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Why we're excited at Ikecho
Erica has always loved creating jewellery that feels timeless but fresh, and lab-grown diamonds fit perfectly into that vision. Our new collection features one-of-a-kind rings in white, pink, yellow, and blue stones. Perfect for proposals, milestones, or treating yourself just because.
Like all good things, these are limited designs, so if one catches your eye, don’t wait too long.
Long story short
Lab-grown or natural, a diamond is still a diamond. Both will bring that unforgettable sparkle to your story, and both are made to last a lifetime. At the end of the day, it’s not about where the diamond comes from, it’s about the memories you create while wearing it.
